Luke : Day 3

Read Luke 1: 39-80

In this reading, Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son is born and named John, and in the final verse, Luke fast-forwards to his adulthood, living in desert country. We will meet John again soon!

There is also a lot of speaking in this second half of chapter 1. Both Mary and Zechariah give what seem like grand speeches, a bit like songs they are writing on the spot. Elizabeth is also very excited, and all three clearly understand that God is doing something big in their time.

Luke included these songs because they are more than just words from happy or emotional people. Did you notice that both Elizabeth and Zechariah are described as being ‘filled with the Holy Spirit?’ (verses 41 and 67). This means that God inspired their words, which helps us to understand how Elizabeth knew all about Mary’s unique pregnancy before being told.

Here are 2 simple but important things we see in these words:

1. God values humility. (See verses 51-53). To know God, it is important that we come to Him the way He has prepared: by sending His Son into the world.

2. People need to have their sins forgiven, and we can be forgiven thanks to God’s mercy. (See verses 76-79).

These songs of praise give us a glimpse into what the good news of Jesus Christ is all about!

“the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness”

Luke 1: 78-79